Colleges are Working to Fight Stigma and Reduce Suicide on Campus

May 18, 2015

With suicide as the nation’s 2nd leading cause of death for people of college-age and more than 1,000 college students dying from suicide every year, schools are taking an even harder look at what they can do for students.

At Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Student Support Network meetings, a group of more than 400 members are trained to intervene & help students dealing with mental health issues. The goal on campus is to reduce stigma by promoting the idea that seeking help is a positive choice, that all people struggle at times and they aren't alone.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute experienced 1 suicide since 2006 and 4 in the last 18 years. Since beginning their suicide prevention programs several years ago, the school’s suicide rate has dropped below the national average.